The Major Arcana cards stand out as some of the most influential and distinct in any Tarot deck. These 22 cards encapsulate a range of universal life experiences, each carrying unique wisdom and insights to provide guidance during challenging times. While the Minor Arcana cards illuminate the day-to-day choices we face, the Major Arcana cards delve deeper, unveiling significant life themes and our overall journey’s direction.
Each Major Arcana card carries individual significance, yet together, these 22 Tarot cards weave a cohesive narrative. The Fool, the first card, takes center stage in this tale, with the following 21 cards illustrating his life journey filled with growth, learning, and evolution. This shared narrative brilliantly mirrors our life’s triumphs, obstacles, and lessons, culminating in our development into wholly realized individuals at the culmination of our journey.
The Fool:
The Fool, still fresh and untouched by life’s hardships, is full of unexplored potential. When this card shows up in your Tarot reading, it urges you to take on The Fool’s eager and worry-free spirit. Step bravely into the unknown, ready to welcome whatever comes next with a sense of wonder. Embrace the journey, for it holds lessons that will shape your soul’s tapestry.
The Magician:
The Magician, brimming with confidence and skill, is a master of the elements and a conduit of the divine. When this card appears in your Tarot reading, it prompts you to harness the Magician’s creative power and self-assured spirit. It’s time to tap into your inner resources, use the tools at your disposal, and manifest your desires into reality. Embrace your potential with unwavering belief and take control of your destiny.
The High Priestess:
The High Priestess is the most connected and aware card in the Tarot deck. This card tells you to trust your gut feelings and listen to your inner voice. Your mind knows a lot more than you might think. When this card shows up in your Tarot reading, stop searching for answers outside. Look inside yourself for the guidance you’re seeking. Trust in your own wisdom as you navigate through your journey.
The Empress:
The Empress card stands for love, creativity, and abundance. She’s like a mother, full of care and warmth. When you see this card in your Tarot reading, it’s telling you to tap into this nurturing energy. It’s a sign to use your creativity and love to bring good into your life. Be open to all the good things life can bring you, just like The Empress. This is your time for growth and creation.
The Emperor:
The Emperor symbolizes leadership, authority, and strength. He’s experienced and firm, having built a stable life through discipline. This card is a reminder of the control and influence you have over your own life. When the Emperor appears in your Tarot reading, it’s a call to stand firm, take charge, and shape your life with confidence. It encourages you to build stability and order, just as the Emperor has done.
The Hierophant:
The Hierophant represents spiritual wisdom and divine guidance. Like a messenger from above, his role is to share his spiritual knowledge with us in our daily lives. When this card shows up in your Tarot reading, it’s telling you to stick to the rules and look at your situation from a spiritual point of view. It’s a call to listen to wisdom, seek spiritual understanding, and follow the established path.
The Lovers:
The Lovers card symbolizes close bonds and relationships. When this card comes up in your Tarot reading, it indicates that your love relationships might need more care and attention. However, The Lovers is not only about romance—it’s also about your values and important decisions. If you’re at a crossroads, this card might appear, prompting you to think carefully about the potential outcomes of your choices. Trust in your bonds and make your decisions with wisdom.
The Chariot:
The Chariot card is all about being focused, taking control, and moving forward with determination. It shows that you’re on a journey to reach a goal. When this card pops up in your Tarot reading, it’s telling you that you have the power to overcome any obstacles. Keep your eyes on your goal, stay in control, and don’t give up. It’s your time to move ahead with confidence and achieve what you’re aiming for.
Strength:
The Strength card embodies bravery, resilience, and the power of your spirit. It stands for the ability to endure and overcome life’s challenges. When this card appears in your Tarot reading, it serves as a reminder of your strength and resilience. You’re more than capable of tackling any obstacles in your path, and you’ll emerge from this situation stronger than ever before. Stay steadfast and trust in your inner power.
The Hermit:
The Hermit card stands for introspection, solitude, and seeking inner wisdom. It’s about taking time to pause, reflect, and gain a deeper understanding of oneself. When The Hermit appears in your Tarot reading, it’s a message to embrace some quiet time and soul-searching. It’s time to step back from the hustle of daily life and look inward for answers. Trust your inner wisdom and let it guide you to your true self.
Wheel of Fortune:
The Wheel of Fortune card represents cycles, change, and destiny. It’s about life’s ups and downs, and how things always keep moving. When this card shows up in your Tarot reading, it’s a sign that a major shift might be coming. This could be a turn of luck or a big life change. It’s a reminder to go with the flow, trust in the cycles of life, and have faith in your destiny.
Justice:
The Justice card reminds us that actions always carry consequences, embodying the principle of cause and effect. It suggests that your current circumstances are shaped by past choices, yours or others’. When Justice comes up in your Tarot reading, it’s an encouragement to act with fairness in every interaction. It prompts you to honor justice and to bear in mind that our decisions always leave a ripple effect. Choose with fairness and moral courage.
The Hanged Man:
The Hanged Man suggests that making small sacrifices can lead to greater gains in the long run. When this card appears in your Tarot reading, it implies you might feel stuck, unsure of how to progress. Letting go of what’s not working for you, or detaching from the outcome of your situation, can set you free. The Hanged Man encourages you to release control, surrender to the moment, and trust that this will open the door to new possibilities.
Death:
Misunderstood by many, the Death card isn’t about literal death. Instead, it symbolizes endings, transitions, and fresh starts. It tells us that everything has its cycle, and we should not cling to the past. If you see the Death card in your Tarot reading, it’s a hint that clinging to old situations could be blocking new blessings from entering your life. Remember, each ending also means a new beginning.
Temperance:
The Temperance card represents allowing things to happen without stressing. It’s about finding harmony and inner peace through balance in all areas of life. When Temperance appears in your Tarot reading, it’s a sign to take a moment, breathe, and strive for balance. It encourages you to be patient, make compromises, and avoid extremes. It’s a call to restore harmony and find inner peace by carefully balancing your emotions and actions.
The Devil:
The Devil card hints at feelings of confinement and the illusion of helplessness. When this card appears in your Tarot reading, it can indicate you’re feeling stuck or cornered. Despite The Devil suggesting you’re out of options, this is a misbelief. In reality, you have the capability to liberate yourself. The task is to acknowledge this power and use it to free yourself from your perceived chains. Don’t be fooled—you can break free and regain control.
The Tower:
The Tower card symbolizes unexpected change, upheaval, and chaos. It’s about sudden shifts and the breakdown of old structures to make way for new ones. When The Tower comes up in your Tarot reading, it’s a sign that change is coming, and it might be more sudden or disruptive than you’d like. But remember, this change, as difficult as it may be, is necessary for growth.
The Star:
The Star card represents hope, inspiration, and renewal. It’s about having faith in the future, even after tough times. When The Star appears in your Tarot reading, it’s a sign that a sense of peace and a brighter future are on their way. This card encourages you to stay optimistic, keep your faith, and know that the Universe is working in your favor. Trust in the cosmic rhythms, for they bring blessings and new beginnings in their wake.
The Moon:
The Moon card symbolizes concealed emotions, uncertainties, fears, and internal thoughts. When it appears in your Tarot reading, it might suggest that apprehensions are clouding your optimism for what lies ahead. Keep in mind that not everything you perceive is the absolute truth; doubts can mislead you. Unearth your inner feelings, confront them, and let go of your anxieties. The Moon urges you to explore your emotions, make sense of them, and clear any fear obstructing your path forward.
The Sun:
The Sun card stands for joy, success, and celebration. It’s about clarity, optimism, and freedom from worries. When The Sun appears in your Tarot reading, it’s a sign of positive energy and blessings. This card encourages you to embrace your moment in the sun, to be confident, and to express your creativity. It’s a reminder to stay optimistic and appreciate the abundance of blessings around you.
Judgment:
The Judgement card signifies awakening, self-evaluation, and an understanding of life’s purpose. It’s about hearing a higher calling and deciding to heed it. When Judgement appears in your Tarot reading, it’s a sign to reflect on your past decisions and actions. It encourages you to rise above your past mistakes, learning from them, and move forward towards a new phase of your life. Judgement calls you to a higher consciousness, prompting you to pursue your life’s purpose with renewed vigor.
The World
Being the closing card of the Major Arcana, The World embodies completion and satisfaction. When it surfaces in your Tarot reading, it confirms you’re in the right place, where you’re destined to be. After experiencing your unique journey, you now have a richer understanding of your own identity, and you’re set for the subsequent stage of your adventure. The World card signifies that you’ve wrapped up a major chapter, and it’s time to step into new beginnings, armed with newfound wisdom and strength.